TZANEEN – Police in Letsitele have launched a manhunt for a group of unidentified suspects following a house robbery and kidnapping at Rwanda Village in the early hours of Saturday, June 6.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a 35-year-old woman was asleep when she was woken by an armed intruder who forced her into another room.

There, she reportedly found her mother and brother being held hostage by a group of seven men, two of whom were allegedly armed with firearms.

The suspects allegedly stole several items, including cellphones, a laptop and a router. They also reportedly forced the woman to unlock her banking application before transferring money from her account using a card machine they had brought with them.

Police said the men then forced the woman’s brother to drive them to a secluded area. After arriving at the location, the suspects instructed him to stop the vehicle before fleeing on foot.

Before leaving, the suspects threatened to kill the family if they reported the incident to police.

The matter was later reported, and cases of house robbery and kidnapping have been opened for investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist police in tracing the men is urged to contact investigating officer Sergeant Mokako Maake on 072 917 2425 or 082 469 0900. Information can also be provided at the nearest police station, via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or through the MySAPS App.